December 2007
Tom Christie - December 2, 2007
Jan Duane Hansen- December 4, 2007
Donald E. Jones- December 4, 2007
Gary Glenn Mollenbrink- December 6, 2007
Marvin LeRoy Weathermon- December 6, 2007
Amelia Krenning- December 9, 2007
William L. Franks- December 10, 2007
Bonnie Jean Reed- December 11, 2007
Jennie Sessions- December 11, 2007
Billie Gail “Tim” Etheridge- December 13, 2007
Beulah (Jacque) Harvey- December 14, 2007
Sterling Peter Johnson- December 15, 2007
John B. Petersen- December 16, 2007
Jimmy Mac Gwinn, Jr.- December 17, 2007
Mrs. Jack (Darlene) Whitlock- December 17, 2007
Donna Bormuth Dugger- December 18, 2007
Dale Henry (Bud) Hocken- December 21, 2007
Olive Cozzens Hawkins- December 22, 2007
William Paul Rohrbach- December 23, 2007
Duane Sanford Edmonds- December 25, 2007
Wanda Lorraine Hart- December 28, 2007
Teddy Ann O’Connor- December 29, 2007
Nina J. Litton- December 29, 2007
Gloria Stroh- December 30, 2007
Thomas Kent Christie, 62, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 2 at his home in Irvine, Calif.
He was born June 8, 1945, in Omaha, Nebr. He moved with his parents, Vince and Iola Christie, to Powell when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Powell High School in 1963.
He earned a degree in interior design from Montana State University in 1968. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star while serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
He was in the property and casualty insurance business in California.
Survivors include his son, Cory Christie, Irvine, Calif.; and his brother, Worth Christie of Casper.
Jan Duane Hansen, 74, died at his Powell home Tuesday, Dec. 4, surrounded by his loving family.
The son of Max and Lillian Hansen, he was raised in Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. He married Sandra Whitmyer May 5, 1977, and they raised a family in Powell.
Jan was active in service to public education for many years and a true Powell Panther fan. He served on the board of trustees of the Powell school district from 1996-2006 and additionally volunteered his time on the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Thermopolis. He was also the Park County District Representative to the Wyoming School Board Association for the same 10 years.
His service to Wyoming schools was made complete in November, 2006, when he received the Golden Bell Award, presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of education at the local, regional and state levels.
Jan was also a man of God. His life became complete when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the Walk to Emmaus in January of 1998. Since then, he served in many capacities for the walk, helping to bring people to Christ. He especially had a heart for Chrysalis, the teen version of the walk, and lovingly served even through his illness.
He was an active member of New Life Christian Fellowship and loved nothing more than singing vibrant praise songs.
Jan made a career for himself at Garvin Motors in Powell, first as a service manager, then a salesman, and finally as sales manager. He loved cars and the automobile business, but mostly he loved the relationships he formed over the years, both with his clients and his colleagues.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending cabin time in the mountains.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Hansen; his sons, Jan (Susan) Hansen of Chapel Hill, N.C., Chris (Tara) Hansen, Eric (Julie) Hansen and Dean Hansen (Kimberly), all of Green Bay, Wisc., and Max (Sylvia) Hansen of Elko, Nev.; a daughter Carlene Goodheart (John) of Billings, Mont.; a sister, Maxine Johnson of Cumberland, Wisc.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David and Noel.
Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at New Life Christian Fellowship, corner of Gilbert and Lane 8, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Chrysalis (Christian Teen Discipleship Community) in care of New Life Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 782, Powell, WY., or to a charity of choice.
Donald E. Jones died Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Powell of complications from diabetes.
Don, along with his twin brother, Keith, was born in Logan, Utah, Jan. 20, 1923, to Harley and Marie Jones. Don began elementary school in Cody but spent most of his school years in Powell, graduating with the PHS class of 1941.
He attended Civil Service Aeronautics School in Ogden, Utah, and served at Hill Field in Ogden until he entered the Army Air Force — flying with the B-17 bomber as crew chief in World War II. Don received an honorable discharge after three years in the service.
On Aug. 13, 1944, in Hot Springs, N.M., Don married his high-school sweetheart and best friend, Pat Jacobs. Together they were blessed with four children: Kurt, Ken, Kayleen and Kara.
Don was a member of Union Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder and deacon and was a member of the church choir for more than 50 years. Don served as a past commander of the American Legion, was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was an active participant on the Senior Citizen Center Board of Directors. He especially enjoyed playing cards there.
He and his family homesteaded on the Ralston bench in 1949, and he was a member of the Heart Mountain Community Club. He loved to hunt and fish and spent many days with his family at their special campground on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Don loved horseshoe pitching and collected numerous trophies as a testament to his success at the sport. He also enjoyed woodworking, music and traveling. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they went on a cruise to the Panama Canal on the ‘love boat.’ Don and Pat supported both high school and college sports events.
Don Jones had a remarkable devotion and love for family. In addition to his loving wife, Pat, survivors include two sons, Kurt (Darlene) of Glenwood, Minn., and Ken (Linda) of Blaine, Wash.; two daughters, Kayleen Jones (Dan DuBray) of Fairfax, Va., and Kara of Billings. Also surviving are grandchildren and their spouses Kyle (Jennie) Jones of Riverton; Kevin Jones of Glenwood, Minn.; Kendi (Josh) Lehman of Lynden, Wash.; Brandi (T.J.) Stach of Bellingham, Wash.; Kelsey (Barry) Stevenson of Fairfax, Va.; Brie VanAtta of New York, N.Y.; Teal Blanco of Missoula, Mont.; and Jade Blanco of Seattle, Wash.; and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brothers, Earl (Opal) Jones of Powell and Harley (Jean) Jones of Ontario, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Keith; and his sister, Myrna Hansen.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell with Rev. Mary Davis officiating. Military honors followed the service.
Memorials may be sent to the Powell Schools Foundation Athletic Fund, 160 North Evarts, Powell, WY 82435.
Gary Glenn Mollenbrink died Thursday, Dec. 6 at his home in Billings, ending his struggle with colon cancer. He was 55.
He was born in Deadwood, S.D., on Jan. 1, 1952, son of Jack and Janis (Williamson) Mollenbrink. He was the second of two sons. The family relocated to Greybull where sisters Sherry and Andrea were born.
In 1960, Gary and siblings moved to Fort Robinson, Neb., with mother Janis and stepfather, Dale J. Wright. They moved to Billings four years later when Dale became foreman of the Bar Diamond Ranch north of Billings.
Gary graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1970. He began driving semi-truck for West Chem Feeds and trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Gary became an EMT first responder in 1977 and began a career as a certified EMT/Paramedic. In 1995, he became a triage paramedic and patient care technician at Deaconess Medical Center in Billings.
From 1997 to mid-2000, Gary was a phlebotomist and mobile supervisor for United Blood Services.
After working in the medical field for over 23 years, Gary changed professions in October 2000 and began seasonal work as a semi-tractor driver pulling double belly-dump trailers, hauling sugar beets for American Driver Service. Gary worked this job right up to Oct. 25, 2005 — the day before he went in for colon surgery.
He would put on a courageous battle with cancer for the next two years.
Gary’s dear friend, Judy, was by his side at his death; a presence Gary’s family believes he truly was aware of, although he was in a deep coma. Gary and Judy met while both were phlebotomists. They maintained a genuine friendship.
Gary married Marla (Bea) Patton in 1977. They divorced in 1981.
Survivors include brother Terry (Janet) Mollenbrink of Greybull; sisters Sherry (Bill) Byxbe of Billings and Andrea Hawthorne of Powell; stepmother Helen Gay Mollenbrink and stepsiblings Robert (Ange’) Workman, David (Karen) Workman, John (Deborah) Workman, all of Utah, Dell (Leisha) Workman of Spokane, Wash., and Claudia (Lloyd) Mayes of Lovell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Mollenbrink; mother Janis L. Wright; stepfather Dale J. Wright; grandparents, Andy and Lou Williamson and John and Mae Mollenbrink; and nephews, Ryan Mollenbrink and Kenneth Workman.
Funeral services are scheduled today (Tuesday), Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell, with burial at Lovell Cemetery.
Marvin LeRoy Weathermon
Marvin LeRoy Weathermon, 83, of Powell, died Thursday, Dec. 6 at Powell Valley Hospital.
He was the retired sexton at Crown Hill Cemetery, a position he held for 24 years.
He was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Casper to Robert and Flora (Olheiser) Weathermon. He graduated from high school in Bridger, Mont., in 1944.
Marvin served in the U.S. Navy aboard the tanker USSS Neches from 1944 to 1946.
He married Rose Mary Weisgerber Aug. 19, 1950, in Bridger. They initially lived in Powell, then moved to Casper where Marvin worked for the Standard Oil Refinery and Union Carbide in the Gas Hills. They returned to Powell where Marvin became the sexton at Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was a member of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell and the American Legion. His hobbies were fishing, gardening and his computer.
Marvin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors and visiting with one and all, as he “never knew a stranger.”
Survivors include his wife Mary Rose of Powell; sons, Rick (Cindy) Weathermon of Laramie and Rodney (Christy) Weathermon of Rock Springs; brothers, Irvin (Jean) Weathermon and Robert (Mary Jane) Weathermon of Laurel, Mont., and Richard (Wally) Weathermon of Carson City, Nev.; sister, Marsha (Marvin) White of Powell; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Allen.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, with Father Glen Szezechowski officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to a charity of choice.
Funeral services are Friday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cody for Amelia Krenning, who died Dec. 9 at home. She was 93.
Amelia loved travel, shopping trips to Billings with her girls, George Strait concerts, spending time with her family, and her dogs. She was an excellent cook, loved holidays and was known more than 40 years for her elaborate holiday decorations.
Amelia was born Feb, 22, 1914, in Loveland, Colo., to Pete and Mary Weber. She had five brothers and one sister and attended school in Johnstown, Colo.
The family moved to Loveland, Colo., where she met and later married Carl Krenning.
In 1933, Carl and Amelia moved to Worland, where they farmed 20 years. They then moved to Burlington, where they made their home for six more years.
Later, Carl and Amelia drove from Burlington to Meeteetse to look for work, planning to stop at Pitchfork Ranch. However, they had a flat tire. A man who stopped to assist them said Paul Stock in Cody was looking for a good farmer.
Carl and Amelia found Stock. Carl told Stock he only had 13 children instead of the actual 19 because he feared Stock might not offer him work, having so many children.
Carl and Amelia lived on Stock’s farm (The Krenning Place) until Carl’s death in 1963. They were married 32 years.
After Carl’s death, Amelia was mother and father to 13 of their 19 children.
Other than her parents and husband, Amelia was preceeded in death by sons, Terry and Mike; brothers, George, Louie, Sam, Henry and Jake; and a sister, Pauline Ross.
Survivors include 17 children, Betty Singley of Little Rock, Ark., Shirley (Wayne) Hodson of Cody, Mary Jane (Tom) Saunders of Akron, Ohio, Jerry (Kathy) Krenning of Fromberg, Mont., Pat Krenning of Cody, Sandie (Casey) Jones of Cody, Vickie (Bud) Ross of Thermopolis, Carl (Sandie) Krenning Jr. of Camrose, Alberta, Can., Karen Gimmeson of Great Falls, Mont., Ronnie (Mary Lee) Krenning of Blefry, Mont., Jack Krenning of Cody, Judie (Ed) Howe of Gillette, Sally Henderson of Cody, Steve (Joyce) Krenning of Cody, Debbie (Gene) Gibson of Bozeman, Mont., Doug Krenning of Cody, and Sheila (Randy) Wolf of Roy, Utah.
Amelia is also survived by 40 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at Ballard Funeral Home. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested in Amelia’s name to benefit Spirit Mountain Hospice or the Trinity Lutheran Church Organ Fund, both in Cody.
Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Union Presbyterian Church for Wiliam L. Franks, who died Monday, Dec. 10 at the Powell Valley Care Center. He was 91.
Bill was born Dec. 22, 1915, in Tulsa, Okla., to Clyde and Georgie Franks. He was the eldest of seven children.
The family moved to Elk Basin north of Powell when he was a young boy. Bill attended school through the eighth grade in Elk Basin. The family later moved to Powell where he graduated from high school.
As a young man, he worked as a carpenter in the Powell area before moving to Tacoma, Wash. In 1942, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers where he served with the Rhineland Central Europe Corps. He earned the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Good Coduct Medal. He received an honorable discharge in Decembver of 1945 and moved back to Powell.
He married Clorous (Susie) Hubbell in Billings, Mont., on June 29, 1946. He worked as a carpenter in the Powell area until going to work for the Farmers Home Adminstration and was employed there until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Clorous of Powell; his sons, Floyd (Lola) Franks of Pullayup, Wash., Terry (Sue) Franks of Cody and Ronald Franks of Powell; daughter Sharon Franks of Billings; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack, Jim and Dick; sisters Ruth and Bobbie Jo; and his infant daughter, Debra.
Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery under the direction of Haskell Funeral Home. For those who wish, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at noon at the American Legion Hall for Bonnie Jean Reed, who died Tuesday, Dec. 11 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Mont. She was 71.
Bonnie was born Oct. 29, 1936 in Billings, Mont., to Homer and Pauline (Williams) Ellis.
On May 7, 1979, Bonnie married Lee Reed in Riverton. The couple made their home in Powell.
Bonnie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and she was a longtime member of the VFW and Eagles.
Survivors include her husband Lee Reed; mother Pauline Williams; son Lenny Sand; daughter Paula Caines and sister Alice Franklin.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her father Homer Ellis and daughter Melinda Sand-Davison.
Pastor Jeff McKearney will officiate funeral services, and arrangements are by Thompson Funeral Home.
Jennie Sessions Nash
Jennie Sessions Nash died Tuesday, Dec. 11 at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell of natural causes. She was 84.
She was born Oct. 8, 1923, in Byron at the family home.
She was second of six children born to Alvin Aytch and Gladdys Cowley Sessions.
Three sisters are remaining, Lavon Castro and Leona Foulk, twins from Greybull, and Wilma Gae Haratyk from Boise.
Jennie graduated from Byron High School in 1942. She couldn’t use her scholarship to BYU because of World War II. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On June 15, 1947, she married Alexander Nash in Billings. They and their family were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on Aug. 3, 1965. They made their home in Byron.
To this union were born four children, Alex, Savanna, Charlene and Roger.
Jennie had four grandchildren, Byron, Scott, Jason and Monique, and six great-grandchildren, Paxton, Kaia, Zenden, Dharma, True and Maximum.
Jennie belonged to a women’s club in Byron, the VFW, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and family organizations. She was proud of her heritage. She will be missed by all who knew her and the lives she touched through her lifetime.
Survivors are: Alex, Norma, Byron and Scott Nash of Englewood, Colo., Savanna Nash of Byron, Roger Nash of West Jordon, Utah, Jason, Tara, Paxton, Kaia, Zenden and Dharma Fairbanks of Salt Lake City, Josh, Monique, True and Maximum Moore of Salt Lake, Lavon Castro and Leona Foulk of Greybull, Michael and Wilma Gae Haratyk and their family of Boise and many friends and relatives.
Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, Alex, daughter Charlene, father Alvin, mother Gladdys, stepmother Mae, sister Evelyn, brother Alvin Howard and many friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Byron on Saturday Dec. 15. Interment followed at the Byron Cemetery.
Billie Gail “Tim” Etheridge died Thursday, Dec. 13 in Dallas, Texas. She was 83.
Affectionately known as “Tim,” she married Paul Etheridge in 1992, and they enjoyed dancing and traveling the word until his death.
She was born Nov. 5, 1924, in Brady, Texas. Married in 1945 to Randy Randolph, they were newlyweds in the Sonoma Valley of California, lumberjacks in northern Idaho, and homesteaders in Wyoming and Idaho. In 1964, they returned to their native Texas and founded Randolphs’ Taxidermy in Corpus Christi.
Following Randy’s death in 1987, Tim met up with old friend, Paul Etheridge, at a reunion of homesteaders in Powell, and they married. Tim will be greatly missed, as will her zest for life, love of family and friends, and fantastic cooking.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands and brother James Hughes. She is survived by son Fred (Nina) Randolph; daughter Julie (Fred) Anderson; stepdaughter Charla (Frank) Carlson; grandchildren Jarett Randolph, Kristin Anderson, and John Anderson; step-grandchildren Elena Wilde, Mariana Wilde, Cameron (Lana) Carlson, and Shani (Bill) Ferry.
Funeral service is scheduled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi.
Beulah (Jacque) Harvey, 88, died Friday, Dec. 14 at the Bonnie Bluejacket Memorial Nursing Home between Greybull and Basin.
She was a long-tine Powell resident and lived her entire life in the Big Horn Basin.
She was born in Meeteetse Dec. 23, 1918 to Miles David and Camma (Florida) Davis. She married Jesse W. Harvey. Her husband preceded her in death.
Survivors include her sons, Terry Harvey of Billings, Mont., and David Harvey of Casper; and two daughters, Kay Hovey of Basin and Judy McDonald (Bill) of Powell.
Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time. Atwood Family Funeral Directors handled arrangements.
Heart Mountain homesteader Sterling Peter Johnson, 91, died Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Veterans Administration nursing home in Sheridan.
He was born in Weeping Water, Neb., to Martin and Bertha Johnson on Nov. 20, 1916. His family later moved to Seibert, Colo.,where he attended primary and secondary schools. In 1935, he began pursuing forestry at Colorado State College in Fort Collins.
Sterling began his military service on March of 1936 when he entered company H of the 157th Infantry. Returning to Seibert in 1937, he managed a gas station and continued to serve in Company I of the 157th Infantry in Burlington, Colo.
Sterling joined the National Guard Reserve after his discharge and was recalled in January 1942 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He rejoined his former Company I, 157th infantry.
Sterling fought in Italy and France, and was wounded in 1943 while stationed in Italy. While in the military, he served as company clerk, mail clerk and also held a corporal’s rank. After returning home, Sterling married his high school sweetheart, Celia Lillian McCormick, on Aug. 17, 1945.
Sterling and Celia moved to Denver where he worked for Gates Rubber Company. On Sept. 23, 1946 their first son, Rodney Owen was born. As a WWII veteran, Sterling drew land from the government to pursue a Heart Mountain homestead so they packed up their small belongings and moved to Wyoming.
In Powell, their son Phillip Carl was born in May 29, 1950. The Johnsons then started a dairy farm which they managed as a family for several years on Heart Mountain. Sadly, their youngest son, Bruce Leroy, died at the age of 2 of croup.
After a short illness with cancer, Celia died Jan. 15, 1972.
Sterling continued to live on Heart Mountain enjoying fishing, rock hunting, jewelry making and photography. He later lived independently for a few years at the Rocky Mountain Manor. While living at the manor he was honored in 2004 by U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin with several military medals. The last few months of his life he lived in his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Powell.
Sterling will be remembered for his love of music as he played hymns and old time songs on the harmonica with his usual cheerful smile. Even after he suffered a stroke in November, he delighted his son and daughter-in-law by playing two hymns without missing a note.
Survivors include his sons Rodney of Denver, Colo., and Phillip and wife Pamela of Powell; granddaughters, Ruth (Dan) Nelson of Andover, Minn., Hannah (Nick) Bailey of Denver, and Abigail Johnson of Billings; grandsons Joel (Michele) Johnson of Powell, Samuel Johnson of Denver, and Benjamin Johnson of Columbus, Mont; and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Powell with Pastor David Pool officiating. A military burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials sent to: Project Life Roof Repair with Children’s Relief International; P.O. Box 631369; Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-1369
John B. Petersen
John B. Petersen died Sunday, Dec. 16 in Riverton. He was 65.
Funeral servcies will be Saturday, Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. at the Greybull LDS Church. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Thompson Funeral Home of Powell is assisting the family.
Jimmy Mac Gwinn, Jr., 46, a former resident of Powell, died Monday, Dec. 17 in Gillette of an apparent heart attack.
He was born Oct. 1, 1961, in San Bernardino, Calif., to Jimmy and Patricia Gwinn. He graduated from high school in Pasco, Wash., and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1980. For 20 years, he faithfully served the country he loved. He retired from the military with full honors, having served in the Iran Crisis, the Persian Gulf War and many other sea service deployments. After retirement, he served in the honor guard for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Jimmy moved with his family to Powell in 1998 where he began working in the construction field. He enjoyed being in the mountains, camping, fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Gillette where he enjoyed singing and helping with service projects.
Jimmy will be truly missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered as a man who would stop what he was doing to help even a stranger with whatever needed to be done.
Survivors include his son, Justin Matthew Gwinn, and daughter, Sierra Esther Gwinn of Powell; his parents, Jimmy and Patricia Gwinn of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; four brothers, Larry (Julie) Gwinn of Olympia, Wash., Bill (Linda) Gwinn of Kennewick, Wash., John Gwinn of San Diego, Calif., and Rick Gwinn of Victorville, Calif.; and the mother of his children, Laura Gwinn of Powell; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his fraternal and maternal grandparents.
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution for the education of Jimmy’s two children may do so at First National Bank & Trust in Powell.
A memorial service is scheduled fror 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29 at Faith Lutheran Church in Powell, with Pastor Clyde Seifert officiating.
Mrs. Jack (Darlene) Whitlock, 74, died Monday, Dec. 17 in Casper.
Funeral services and burial were in Casper on Dec. 20.
On Tuesday, Dec.18, longtime Powell/Cody resident Donna Aline Bormuth Dugger died at her home in Ferndale, Wash., surrounded by her family.
Born 75 years ago on August 6, 1932 in Parkerton, Wyoming, a small oilfield community near Glenrock, Wyoming, she was the first child and only daughter born to Kent and Clysta (Sally) Bormuth. Donna’s early years were spent in the Glenrock area until the family moved to Cody in 1944.
On Nov.r 19, 1957, in Reno, Nev., Donna married Jim Dugger of Powell, the true love and shining star in her life. On Nov. 19, 2007, they celebrated 50 treasured years of marriage. They resided in Powell until 2005 when they moved to Washington to be near their daughter, Sally Robinette and family.
After marriage and throughout her life she was known to neighbors and friends as a caregiver, an avid gardener, accomplished cook, and health food expert. After raising or growing nearly all of the family’s food, she canned, made jellies and preserved her foods up until the time of her death. Many will recall the years of flourishing fruits and vegetables plus the colorful array of flowers and healthy livestock all nurtured on the sod farm Jim & Donna operated on the outskirts of Powell, Wyoming. For years she worked as a cook for the Powell School District and in off hours she worked at the Powell Health Food Store. During the evenings she organized, stuffed and labeled newspapers for the Powell Tribune. However, her most loved occupation was that of being the “Right Hand Man” to her beloved husband Jim. As she battled cancer, her only complaint was that she hated not being able to go outside as often and help Jim.
She had a life-long love to read, garden, crochet, knit and cook. She also enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with Jim. Her family came first and were always the most important aspect of her entire life.
Donna is survived by her husband Jim, in Ferndale; daughters Jeanette (OB) Sanchez of Las Cruses, N.M., and Sally (Ken) Robinette of Bellingham, Wash.; grandchildren Angela Chase, Leigh and Joy Robinette, Jennifer (Chris) Ray and Aimee Geiger; brothers Bob (Maxine) Bormuth of Fort Collins, Colo., and Bill (RoyAnn) Bormuth of Cody; three great-grandchildren, Jakob Chase, Kaitlyn Geiger and Hunter Geiger, plus many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and her mother.
A Celebration of Her Life is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec . 29 at the Robinette home in Bellingham, Wash. Moles Family Funeral Home, 1907 Front Street, Lynden, Wash has completed cremation. During a private family service Donna’s ashes will be scattered at the family cabin in Maple Falls, Wash.
For those who wish, donations may be made, in Donna’s memory, to the extraordinarily helpful and wonderful Whatcom Hospice Assn., on 800 East Chestnut Street, Suite #1, in Bellingham, WA 98225. Cards and letters of remembrance may be mailed to Jim Dugger, c/o Ken Robinette, Bellingham Underwriters, Inc., 1201 Cornwall Ave., Suite 209, Bellingham, WA 98225 or you can share your thoughts and memories of Donna with the family by using the funeral home’s on-line guest book at HYPERLINK "http://www.molesfuneralhomes.com" www.molesfuneralhomes.com.
Dale Henry (Bud) Hocken died Friday, Dec. 21 at the Powell Valley Hospital. He was 83.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, with the Rev. Susan Trembath officiating.
Bud was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Red Lodge, Mont., son of Carl Henry Hocken and Beatrice (Johnson) Hocken. He graduated from Powell High School in 1942 and married Stella Mae Slater June 21, 1943, in Red Lodge.
He served in the U.S. Army’s 65th Combat Engineer Batallion, winning the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Unit Badge and Victory Medal. Bud was retired from BP Amoco, the family having lived in Powell, Evanston and Anchorage, Alas.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge and was a leader in acquiring an Elks lodge for Evanston in 1979. He was also a member of the Eagles and the American Legion.
He enjoyed gardening and woodworking and was a rockhunter, fisherman and hunter. He loved camping, and in later years read and did crossword puzzles.
Survivors include his wife Stella of Powell; a daughter, Trudy (Barry) Ward of Cowley; a son, Darrel (Linda) Hocken of Beaverton, Ore.; a sister, Beatrice Lipps of Sidney, Neb.; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Armeda Hocken, and sister, Rose Elder.
Thompson Funeral Home is in chargeof arrangements.
Olive Cozzens Hawkins, 79, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 22 in the Powell Nursing Home from causes related to Parkinson’s Disease.
She was born March 23, 1928, to Joe and Bertha Cozzens in Powell. She was raised on the family farm at Ralston.
She attended college at Brigham Young University, eventually earning a Master’s Degree in Education. She served a full-time mission for the LDS Church in Hawaii from 1950 to 1952. She married Charles V. Hawkins in the Salt Lake City Temple on Oct. 10, 1952.
They settled in Cody and became parents to five sons and two daughters. Olive worked as a second grade teacher at Eastside Elementary in Cody from 1976 to 1992.
She served in various church positions during her life. She worked many years with the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver Award.
Survivors include her husband, Charles; her children, Bruce (Colleen) of Bentonville, Ark., Joe (Deniece) of Orem, Utah, Ken (Maureen) of Pocatello, Idaho, Lynette (Ned) Kelley of Cody, Brent (Leslie) of West Jordan, Utah, Mark (Susan) of Mesa, Ariz., and Lonnie (Greg) Clark of Powell; 35 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Minnie) Cozzens; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Fred, Francis, Melvin and Matthew; grandson, Dallin Hawkins; and great-grandson, Charles Hawkins.
Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. at the LDS Church Avenue E Chapel in Powell, under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the services at the church.
Funeral services will be conducted today (Thursday), Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cody for William Paul (Bill) Rohrbach, Cody attorney and former state legislator, who died at his home Sunday, Dec. 23, due to a sudden cardiac event.
He was born in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 24, 1943, to Raeburn and Delores Rohrbach. His love of music began at a young age. Bill was selected for the Moline Boys Choir in grade school. He was first-chair violinist while in junior high and high school. Besides music and his studies, he spent his school days completing many practical jokes. Bill joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division after finishing high school.
While in junior high school, he first saw the love of his life, Peggy Paulos. He actively pursued her at age 20 and married her two years later. He continued his lifelong passion for music in a rock and roll band, called “The Disciples,” while studying at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa.
After the birth of their first daughter, Victoria, Bill and Peggy moved to Laramie. In 1969, they celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Sara. Bill completed his law degree at the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1972. He and Peggy then moved to Cody, where they had their last child, Nicholas, in 1975.
Bill was such a warm, energetic, happy individual, who was so much a part of lives of his wife, children, grandchildren and friends, that they are still unsure how to fill the void that he has left. What a life Bill lived in Cody, and how many lives were touched over the last 32 years!
Bill was an altruistic person who had a passionate outlook on life with an unending source of energy to positively affect those around him. He taught his family how to love and play music, strive for success, help others around them and keep God as a focus in their lives. Every day in Bill’s life was lived with gusto, a ready smile and friendly disposition.
Bill had so many accomplishments during his lifetime. He was proud to be a Rotarian and looked forward to performing in the annual shows. Bill got into politics with the local school board, was on the board at Northwest College and later represented Park County in the Wyoming State House of Representatives. He was on the Board of Trustees at West Park Hospital, an active founder of the Yellowstone Jazz Festival and in multiple musicals and committees around the community. Every facet of life that he touched, he gave 100 percent of himself and became a vital member of the group.
Family members will remember they learned from Bill how to laugh, love life to the fullest, eat well and play music often. Bill and Peggy shared 42 years enjoying adventurous travel, fine wine, great food and many wonderful jam sessions with family and friends. They will always remember his warm and loud belly laugh, his endless stream of jokes, his strong bass voice and his infinite energy encompassing all those around him. They are confident he lives on in heaven and in every life that he touched.
His legacy continues through his lifelong companion and wife, Peggy Rohrbach of Cody; and his children, Tori Radosevich and husband (Dr. Tom) and children Natasha, Samuel, Benjamin and Max of Casper; Dr. Sara Nyquist and husband (Sverre) and children Hanna, Sofia and Espen of Billings; and Nick Rohrbach and wife (Morgan) and children Simi and Maggie of Bainbridge Island, Wash. Other survivors include his three siblings and their families, Roger and Sally Rohrbach of Payson, Ariz., Rev. Dick and Deanna (Rohrbach) Rossow of St. Louis, Mo., and Steve and Shawna Rohrbach of Lyons, Colo.
For those who wish, a community memorial fund has been established at Shoshone First, Pinnacle, and First National Banks in Cody.
Duane Sanford Edmonds died at his Powell home Tuesday, Dec. 25, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 21, 1931, to Manford Wayne Edmonds and Lillian Vesta Carlson Edmonds. The eldest of identical twins, Duane grew up on a farm just outside Powell and attended Powell schools. Duane married Jo Ann Elizabeth Graham of Powell Jan. 28, 1956.
The list of Duane's memberships, associations, contributions, accomplishments and awards is long. Among those that were precious to him is the Future Farmer of America "Degree of American Farmer" he earned in 1951 shortly before enlisting in the service. Assigned to the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command, he proudly served his country at home and overseas during the Korean Conflict.
Duane attended Northwest College in Powell before transferring to the University of Wyoming, where he earned degrees in chemistry and mathematics. Upon graduation, he moved to the Seattle, Wash., area where he raised his family and worked 30 years as an engineer for the Boeing Company. He was a member of design teams for the space shuttle, lunar rover and the Boeing supersonic transport. He retired in 1989 as the director of sales and marketing for the Commercial Airplane Division.
Duane followed through on his dream to retire to the Edmonds' family homestead in Powell. He became a civic leader in Powell, volunteering many hours to education as a mentor, fundraiser, president and member of the Park County School District No. 1, chairman and member of the Wyoming State Board of Education and member of the National Association of School Board Education. Duane also served on the Board of Cooperative Education Services and the Northwest College Foundation.
He was an active member of the Powell Rotary and served as Worshipful Master of Absarokee Lodge of the Masons.
Recently, Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued a governor's proclamation honoring Duane for his service to education and Wyoming's youth.
Duane "walked the talk" of service to others. He led by example and was quick to roll up his sleeves and pitch in to solve a problem or get the job done. He loved working the American Legion concessions stand at the fair and calling bingo on Sunday evenings. Some of his greatest pleasures were speaking to students about the importance of education and judging local science fairs and forensics tournaments. He was an avid, lifelong supporter of Boy Scouts of America and many other youth causes.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dwight Manford Edmonds; and a sister, Janet Elaine Burnett Hale.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Edmonds of Powell; his brother, Alonzo John (Jack) Edmonds of Gillette (Dorothy); sons, Craig Edmonds (Julie) of Puyallup, Wash., and Gregory Edmonds (Ana) of Phoenix Ariz.; grandchildren Amanda and Chad Edmonds (Craig), Megan, Jacqueline and Rachel Edmonds (Gregory); a sister in-law, Myrna Dearcorn Edmonds of Crandall; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
The family is reminded of Duane's e-mail tag line, "Anyone can make a difference. Everyone should try!" His family, friends and community will miss him greatly.
A Celebration of Life Service for Duane will take place Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Northwest College Nelson Auditorium, 231 W. Sixth St., Powell. Thompson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Powell Masonic Lodge #582, Powell Valley Hospice (777 Avenue H) or the Powell Schools Foundation (160 N. Evarts).
Wanda Lorraine Hart, a Powell pioneer, died Friday, Dec. 28, at the Powell Valley Care Center where she had resided for the last two years. She was 90.
She was born Oct. 7, 1917, in Powell to Otto Schacht and Ida (Kemper) Schacht. Otto Schacht was Powell’s first baker.
Wanda grew up in Powell and graduated from Powell High School in 1935. She married Hubert Hart in Powell on Oct. 19, 1935.
Through the years, the family lived in Powell and Green River, Alamosa, Colo., and Lynnwood, Wash. Wanda and Hubert returned to Powell from Washington in 2002. Her husband died in July 2004.
Wanda was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church and spent years playing the organ at church and singing in the choir. She worked at Golden Rule in Powell for years and later was a bookkeeper at the Alamosa State Bank until retirement.
She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and enjoyed travel, gardening and music.
Survivors include a son, Hubert Hart (Kate) in Laurel, Mont.; a daughter, Celia Hart in Seattle, Wash.; a son-in-law, Don Ness in Williamsburg, Va.; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Marjorie Ness, in 2006; a son, Stephen Brechwald Hart in 1968; two brothers, Ben and Albert; and a sister, Marjorie.
No services are planned at this time. A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2008 with burial of cremains at Crown Hill Cemetery for Hubert and Wanda Hart.
Thompson Funeral Home assisted the family.
Nina J. Litton died at Powell Valley Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 29. She was 81.
Born Nina Marie Johnston in Sheridan in 1926, she was the daughter of Bert and Pauline Johnston. She married Don Bruce and had three children: Carol, Kent, and Greg Bruce.
Nina raised her family by herself in Sheridan, then looked after her parents in their waning years in Powell. She was a college professor and high school teacher, as well as owner of ABC Builders and ABC Realty of Sheridan. She created, owned, and operated these two businesses with her parents and brother, Vincent P. Johnston, all deceased.
Nina has five grandchildren – Brandon, Zachary, Alexander, Gregory, and Alia Bruce. She is survived by one brother, Bert E. Johnston of Dallas, Texas.
Nina loved Wyoming and constantly proclaimed how wonderful the people were and what a wonderful place it is to live in. Nina was full of love for those who shared her life.
Thompson Funeral Home handled arrangements.
After a short, but fatal bout with cancer, Frannie resident, Gloria Stroh,
69, died on Dec. 30, 2007, at Holy Rosary Health Care in Miles City, Mont.
Through her time of illness Gloria maintained her sense of humor, was very
kind to her caregivers and made her family feel loved.
Gloria had a green thumb, loved to cook and enjoyed word searches and puzzles.
Gloria was born in Page, N.D., on Dec. 20, 1938, the daughter of Leo and Myrtle
(Conner) Willert.
Gloria attended school in Kathay and Fissiden, N.D., and graduated from high
school in Richey, Mont.
Gloria married Robert Stroh on Nov. 26, 1956.
In December of 1962, Gloria moved to Richey, where she dedicated her life to
raising her seven children. She was a good wife, mother, sister, grandmother,
great-grandmother and mother-in-law.
Later, Gloria and her family move to Terry and Brockway, Montana.
In 1990, her husband, Robert died, and Gloria moved to Frannie.
Gloria is survived by her seven children, Roxann Lantis of Miles City; Vicky
(Bob) Hutchens of Sidney, Mont; Robin (Lisa) Stroh of Harlem, Mont.; Sandy
(Arnold) Ceynar of Glendive, Mont.; Donna McCloy of Lewistown, Mont.; Steven
Stroh of Frannie; Melissa (Donn) Franklin of Forsyth, Mont.; two sisters, Joyce
Peak and Cindy West; four brothers, Darryl, Ben, Steve and Rick Willert; 17
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, daughter, Sheryl;
granddaughter, Brittney; and son-in-law, Patrick Lantis.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the United
Methodist Church in Deaver at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. A dinner at the
Frannie Bar will follow funeral services.
Gloria was buried at Brockway Cemetery in Brockway.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the family of Gloria. A memorial
will be established at a later date.